Safety first message for Rotherham's party-goers

They have issued a series of tips to Christmas party-goers including: Remembering to book a taxi home before setting out; ensure you have valid ID and knowing your alcohol limit.

·       They also advise keeping presents out of view of thieves, turning Christmas lights off when in bed or not at home to reduce fire risks and remembering to lock up when you go out or go to bed.

Supt Shaun Morley said: “I aim to keep alcohol related anti-social behaviour and criminality to a minimum and we are asking members of the public to work with us and ensure that they keep themselves safe while socialising.”

Meanwhile, NHS Rotherham’s Choose Well initiative is asking people to make sure they select the right point of contact when it comes to health problems.

The aim is to ensure people get the best treatment and reduce pressure on health services during the busy winter period and especially over Christmas and New Year.

A spokeswoman said: “Accident and Emergency Departments (A&E) and doctor’s surgeries tend to be much busier, especially if we have lots of flu in the area.

“People often turn up at hospitals with a wide range of illnesses and injuries but often the less serious ailments could have been better treated more quickly elsewhere.”

Non-A&E options include GPs, pharmacies, the Single Point of Contact telephone and appointment service (0333 321 8282), the Rotherham Walk-in Centre or NHS Direct.

For more information visit www.rotherham.nhs.uk, where you can also find a list of pharmacies open on New Year’s Day.